We encourage all sellers on Reggae Auction to use The Goldmine Grading System detailed on this page simply because it's important for buyers to have a clear understanding of the condition of the records and that having specific grading for each seller can be really confusing.

The Goldmine Grading System is the accepted standard used for grading vinyl records. It was developed in the early 70s as a way for sellers and buyers to understand the condition of a record. According to the Record Collectors Guild, there are six acceptable grades in the Goldmine Grading System (though additional grades are often used as well).

Determining an appropriate grade for your records can be tricky. Use the guidelines below to know how to properly grade your records. Then take a look at the grades (that range from Mint to Poor) and the descriptions.

#1. Inspect your record and the cover thoroughly.

Vinyl records should always be looked at under a strong light. You may not be able to see small flaws, such as a scuff mark, under normal lighting conditions. Also, note whether or not there are scratches, warping, or poor luster on your record. Inspect the cover for creases, wear on the edges, discoloration, rips, writing or any other flaw.

#2. Make sure you are always honest when grading and never over-grade.

Age and value of a record have nothing to do with its grade, so a 50 year old rare record in bad shape is the same as a five year old record in bad shape. Grade it appropriately.

#3. Write the grade for the record first, and then one for the cover.

Whether you are grading your records for your own knowledge or for listing purposes, you should list a grade for the record first and then a separate grade for the cover. You can also indicate what the visual grade is and what the sound quality grade is. Most dealers do not have the time to grade both the sound and the visual aspects of a record, so they will just base it on sight.

#4. Be completely honest and descriptive about the record and the cover condition.

Always address other issues (such as stickers, seam splits, tears, or writing) in the description. Don't assume the buyer will automatically expect these things because of a given grade.

#5. Be cautious when using the Mint grade and the Sealed description.

Mint records are very rare. Most records do not make the Mint grade (even when new) because records were hand packaged. Unless a sealed record is from the last 10-15 years, it was probably hand packaged. So if you see a sealed record in Mint condition, it might still have scuffs on it and thus should not be graded as Mint.

Mint (M)
Use Mint sparingly if at all. This grade commands the highest price in price guides (maybe even higher). Contrary to popular belief, a Mint record does not have to be sealed, and if sealed, can not technically be called Mint because it may have scuffs from packaging. It does have to be perfect. There must not be any scratches or scuffs. A Mint cover and the artwork has to be perfect, with no marks, stickers, or writing.

Near Mint (NM or even M-)
This should be the most used grade for almost flawless records and covers. Near Mint graded records can receive the highest price in the price guides. They might have one minor scuff and they should play without any noise. Covers should look near perfect as well, with very small signs of age.

Very Good Plus (VG+)
These should be priced at 50 percent of Mint or NM prices. They might have slightly visible scratches that do not affect the sound. Deep scratches that are visible in plain light are not acceptable. The cover can have slight wear, but no more than three flaws that have to be explained. It can have small writing (not big), show age, and have slight wear to the seams. Water damage and stains are not acceptable.

Very Good (VG)
These are worth 25 percent of NM priced records. There are very noticeable scratches and scuffs that can be heard when played. The noise can be heard during soft passages, but does not affect the enjoyment of the music. Covers have writing, stickers, seam splitting, and look worn. The artwork should still look good.

Good (G) or Good Plus (G+) (sometimes VG-)
These are worth 10-15 percent of NM records. This record can still be played without skipping, but has a lot of noise and visible scratches. You should still be able to enjoy the music. Covers have seam splits and maybe even tape on them, as well as writing. The artwork is still decent.

Poor (P), Fair (F)
These are worth 0-5 percent of NM records. They are hardly worth your time, unless very rare. The record might be warped or cracked and won't play without skipping. The cover is damaged.

Understanding the grading process and the rules associated with grading will allow you to grade your records with confidence. If you are ever in doubt, under grading is better than over grading. Above all, take the best care when handling your collectibles and always be honest when describing them.

Sources:
The Record Collectors Guild
http://www.recordcollectorsguild.org
Goldmine Grading Standards